Lease Break Fee Calculator
Estimate early termination costs—including remaining rent, fees, and deposit exposure—before you break a lease.
Lease Break Fee Calculator
Estimate early termination costs before you move out — then generate a lease termination or notice to vacate.
Preview free — pay only from $4.99 when you download. No subscription.
How it works
Three steps from blank form to a document you can sign.
Enter your details
State, rent amount, and days late — takes under a minute.
See state limits
View grace periods and fee caps based on your state rules.
Generate the notice
Jump to our late rent or termination notice wizard with your context pre-filled.
What you need to know
Practical guidance — not filler. Written for landlords and tenants who need this document done right.
What this document is
A worksheet that estimates penalty rent, remaining balance exposure, and notice requirements when ending a lease early.
When to use it
Before breaking a lease, negotiating with a landlord, or subletting — know your financial exposure first.
Why it matters
Early termination without proper notice can trigger double rent, forfeited deposits, and credit damage.
Common mistakes
- Assuming you can leave with 30 days in every state
- Not documenting landlord consent to terminate early
- Subletting without written approval
Why generate with LeaseCraft
Cost estimate
See likely penalty range.
Termination notice
Generate the right notice type.
State context
Rules vary by jurisdiction.
Ready to generate?
Preview your document free. Pay from $4.99 only when you download the full editable file.
Your Lease Details
Options for Breaking Your Lease
Negotiate with Landlord
Many landlords prefer negotiation over legal action. Offer to help find a replacement tenant or pay a reduced fee.
Find a Subletter
If your lease allows, find someone to take over your lease. This can eliminate your liability entirely.
Help Re-Rent the Unit
Assist your landlord in finding a new tenant. This reduces vacancy time and your total liability.
Document Everything
Keep records of all communication, efforts to mitigate, and the condition of the unit when you leave.
Related documents & tools
Landlords often need these forms together — generate each in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Generate your document now
State-specific structure, editable formats, one-time payment. No subscription ever.
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How this calculator works
Estimated cost = remaining lease obligation (or landlord mitigation) + stated early termination fee − expected deposit refund. Landlord duty to mitigate damages varies by state.
Inputs
- Monthly rent and months remaining — drives remaining rent liability.
- Early termination fee — flat or percentage fee from your lease clause.
- Security deposit — may offset damages or unpaid rent if allowed by law.
- Reletting likelihood — some states reduce liability if unit rerents quickly.
Assumptions
- Lease includes an early termination or buyout clause where applicable.
- Landlord will attempt to rerent in states requiring mitigation.
- You give written notice as required by the lease.
Limitations
- Does not predict court outcomes or specific landlord negotiation results.
- Military SCRA, domestic violence, or habitability claims may allow penalty-free exit.
- Sublease or assignment options are not modeled separately.
Example calculation
- Rent $1,600/month with 4 months left on a 12-month lease.
- Lease early termination fee: 2 months' rent ($3,200).
- Security deposit: $1,600 (may be applied to unpaid amounts).
- Estimated gross cost before mitigation: $3,200 fee + remaining rent exposure.
- Net exposure depends on how quickly the unit rerents.
Many leases charge 1–3 months' rent to break early. Landlords in mitigation states must try to rerent; your liability may stop when a new tenant moves in.
Common mistakes
Leaving without written notice
Abandonment can forfeit deposit protections and trigger full remaining rent claims. Always provide notice per your lease.
Assuming the deposit covers everything
Deposits cannot always be applied to unpaid rent in every state. Unpaid rent may still be collectible after deposit application.
Ignoring lease buyout options
Some leases offer a fixed buyout lower than remaining rent. Read termination clauses before negotiating informally.
Frequently asked questions
Disclaimer
LeaseCraft provides document automation and general information — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Calculator results are estimates for planning only. Consult a licensed attorney, accountant, or housing counselor for advice about your situation.